Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 in Germany and was later used medically to treat various conditions. More potent forms were later discovered, including one used by Japanese military during World War II to keep soldiers alert. In the 1950s, legal methamphetamine tablets were produced and misused. By the 1960s, injectable meth became widely abused. While production of injectable meth was restricted in the 1970s, it continued to be made illegally. Methamphetamine is classified as a psychoactive stimulant that can have serious physical and health risks with addiction being very difficult to treat.

1. Methamphetamine
By:Zamir Abassi
And Mary Moll Lee

2. History
 Synthesized in Germany in 1887
 Used as a treatment for everything
 Amphetamine used as inhalant to treat nasal
congestion
 More potent methamphetamine discovered in
Japan
 Used in World War II to keep the soldiers going
 After war was over, methamphetamine stored for
military use available to people
 In 1950s, legal tablets were made and used both
for medical and non-medical reasons

3. History cont’d
 Became a cure-all for everything
 More abuse in the 1960s when injectable
meth became more available
 In 1970s the legal production of injectable
meth was restricted
 However, still being produced in meth labs

4. Classification
 Psychoactive stimulant
 In phenethylamine and amphetamine
class of drugs

5. Nicknames
 Crank, Speed, Crystal, Ice, Glass, Mexican
Crack
 Also based by color
 Soap Dope (pink)
 Sparkle (shiny)
 Lemon Drop (yellow)
 Holiday Meth (green, made with Drano)

6. Physical Effects
 Anorexia, hyperactivity, restlessness,
headaches, dry mouth, hypertension,
hypotension, hyperthermia

7. Legal/Illegal?
 Yes, Meth is illegal in other countries outside of the US. For
example Australia and European countries.
 Use among youth. The 1998 MTF survey asked 12th
graders about the use of crystal methamphetamine
known as "ice" -- which is smoked or burned in rock
form. The survey found that lifetime ice use -- which
had leveled-off at 4.4 percent in 1997 after a four-
year rise -- rose in 1998 to 5.7 percent.
 The perceived harmfulness of methamphetamine
among youth has also declined steadily since 1992 --
when 61.9 percent of 12th graders perceived "great
risk" in trying "ice" once or twice -- to 1998, when
only 52.7 percent perceived great risk.

8. Dangers of using
 Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness,
insomnia, tremors, acne, convulsions,
heart attack, stroke, death

9. Addiction treatments
 One of the most difficult forms of
addiction to treat
 Administering amino acids can help in the
recovery process